Hi, I'm keen to get out there and onsight some rock climbs. Will i need equipment? how much does it cost? I have heard that if you climb solo, then you dont need any equipment besides rock boots and a chalk bag. Will i be able to solo and why isnt it more popular (since it costs less)?
Thanks.

I hope you are still alive to read this... Do you by chance mean bouldering rather than solo climbing? In bouldering, you climb sideways rather than up, so you are never more than a couple of meters off the ground and therefore if (read when) you fall you don't need a rope to catch you. You need only climbing shoes but most people recommend a chalk bag (plus chalk) and a mattress to put under you to save on the nasty bruises from the rocks you land on...

Justin, it sounds like you don't want to only go SIDEWAYS, but up as well... and so i recommend route climbing no BOULDERING this also means you will not need a mattress, although if you strap a piece of foam to your back it may help protect against injury in the unlikely case of a fall.

now when it comes to routes...... you should stay away for short sport routes as they, in many cases, do not \"TOP OUT\". this means that you will not be able to climb to the top of the route and walk back down. For this reason, as a trained proffesional , I suggest you only climb back country multi-pitch trad routes. these routes around normally over graded and ON SIGHTING them should not be very hard. it is not necessary to have medical aid because any thought of doubt may cause you to lose focus of your goal.... which is to save cash. On that note: don't feel intimidated by people who say that you are being cheap...... at least you're not wasting money on shiney new gear that will never be used